Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Getafe: Navas, Brahim Diaz stand out for Los Blancos in bore draw

Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw by neighbours Getafe in La Liga, at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Thursday night.

Coming into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, Zinedine Zidane’s men hoped to carry the momentum and build towards ending the season on a strong note. While they dominated possession for most parts in the first half, Real Madrid weren’t able to create clear-cut opportunities consistently.

Karim Benzema had the best chance to break the deadlock in the first period, but fired his effort wide, while Casemiro saw an effort cleared off the line as Getafe held tight at the back, showing why they have the second-best defensive record in La Liga this term. Offensively, the hosts did not create much apart from a Mauro Arambarri free-kick that was easily saved.

Real Madrid tested Getafe keeper David Soria a few times in the second half, with Casemiro, Dani Carvajal and Brahim Diaz coming close, but the custodian was up to the task. At the other end, Keylor Navas was called into making a sharp double save to deny Jorge Molina and Jaime Mata’s shots to keep his team in the game.

Neither team could muster up any real opportunities thereafter, barring a late shot from Samu Saiz that was saved by Navas, as the game petered out to a dull, goalless draw. The result means Real Madrid are six points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid with four games left to be played. Here’s how we rated the performances of Zidane’s charges on the night.

Keylor Navas: 7.5/10

Getting the nod in goal once again despite Thibaut Courtois’ return to full fitness, the Costa Rican shot-stopper stopped Arambarri’s free-kick in the first period and pulled off an excellent save to keep Molina out after the break, before reacting quickly to stop Mata’s rebound. Kept things tight at the back, commanded his area well.

Dani Carvajal: 7/10

Solid at the back, although he wasn’t exerted much by the hosts. Not at his best going forward in the first half, despite Madrid bossing possession, but was his usual self after the break. Combined very well with Brahim Diaz in the right channel to create a chance for Isco after having forced a save from Soria. Showed great energy.

Raphael Varane: 7/10

A solid and reliable display at the heart of the Real Madrid defence from the Frenchman. Dealt with everything that Getafe threw at him with relative ease, with one block to snuff out a chance for Mata being notable. Strong in the air, solid in his positioning.

Nacho: 7/10

Back into the starting XI in place of Jesus Vallejo, who started at the weekend, the Real Madrid utility man put in a solid shift against Getafe. Dealt well with the crosses that the home team hit into the box to deprive them of any clear scoring opportunities. Will do his confidence good after a disappointing campaign.

Sergio Reguilon: 6/10

Handed a start by Zidane in place of Marcelo, the Spaniard did not display much attacking verve on the night, but kept things tight at the back. A disciplined performance, but could have contributed more going forward down the left flank.

Federico Valverde: 5/10

After his impressive performance against Leganes, it was a bit of a dip for Valverde on Thursday night. Looked flustered under the intense press of the home team early on, leading to a number of misplaced passes and loss of possession. Booked at the hour mark and was taken off soon after as he ran the risk of being sent off. Will see better nights than this.

Casemiro: 6.5/10

Did his job well in the middle as he often broke up play, while his aerial abilities were also of great help when Real Madrid had to deal with the hosts’ crosses and high balls. Kept it simple and wasn’t always eager to join up in attack. Came so very close to opening the scoring in the first half, but his effort was cleared off the line.

Isco: 6/10

A lot of Real Madrid’s attacking play went through the Spanish playmaker, but he wasn’t able to provide the kind of impact that his manager would have hoped from him. There were some silky touches and slick passing moves, but they didn’t come frequently enough. Spurned a great chance to hand his team the lead near the hour mark.

Brahim Diaz: 8/10

Easily the best Real Madrid player on the field and by some distance, the former Manchester City starlet showed what he is capable of when given a rare opportunity by Zidane. Brahim Diaz was the visitors’ chief creative outlet as he tried to make things happen with his box of skills and sharp movement. Forced a save from Soria and was surprisingly taken off by Zidane.

Karim Benzema: 6/10

Having scored a match-winning hat-trick in the last game against Athletic, Benzema was once again going to be key for Madrid’s chances. Was involved in some neat link-up play in the final third, but failed to take the chances that came his way, firing wide once very early in the game, before seeing another effort saved. Not involved a great deal after the break.

Gareth Bale: 5/10

Handed a rare start on the left flank, the Welshman failed to make the most of the opportunity that fell to him. Apart from creating a chance for Benzema with a cross, Bale did not offer much in terms of a goal threat for Real Madrid and was taken off for Marco Asensio.

Substitutes

Lucas Vazquez: 5/10

Replaced the lively Diaz in the 70th minute. Failed to carry on from where the youngster had left off.

Marco Asensio: 5/10

Came on for Bale for the final twenty minutes. Made minimal impact on the proceedings.

Toni Kroos: N/A

Replaced Valverde with less than fifteen minutes on the clock.